I-70 or I-80? (Maryland to Denver)

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Jun 22, 2009 | 04:13 PM

cybricon

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From: Frederick MD

I-70 or I-80? (Maryland to Denver)

Which way do people prefer. I-80 is only about 35 miles farther so it's not really a mileage issue. I have KOA's booked via I-80 but can easily change it to I-70. Leaving July 18 on a 5000+ mile road trip to Utah, Yellowstone, SD, etc by way of Denver. Would it be much cooler, normally, on I-80? 13 year old daughter riding on back (see my other posts).

Oh, update... I just checked the average temps and they would be about 7 degrees cooler on the northerly route. Think I'll just keep my plans the way they are.

Last edited by cybricon; Jun 22, 2009 at 04:22 PM.

Jun 22, 2009 | 05:33 PM

Firebike32

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From: Sioux Center, Iowa

Don't know much about I-70 but I-80 can be real busy and through Iowa it's rough as a cob.

Jun 22, 2009 | 06:33 PM

frogg

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From: PacNW (Olympic Pennsula)

Both ways pretty busy through the bigger cities. I find I80 a little more scenic and I do mean a little very little. But bottom line if it was me going from Maryland to Denver I'd choose I70 if was was doing Interstate.
If it was me when i got to just before St Louis i'd take I57 or 55 north to US36 to Hannibal then follow 36 to St joseph and the follow the Pony Express route into Denver.

Jun 22, 2009 | 06:57 PM

pbsdaddy

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From: Delaware

70. I've made that trip more times than I care to count. No tolls, except in Kansas, for a bit, and plenty of areas, KOA's to camp in. Besides. 70 goes right through Denver. 80 skirts along the border of Co and Wy.

Jun 22, 2009 | 08:47 PM

trip20

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I took 80 out to Baltimore from Wisconsin, and I took 70 back to Wisconsin for the trip home.

80 was nicer due to the travel centers and scenery was a little better.

70 was nicer as the tolls weren't as numerous.

Also, the road was nicer on 80, as in the pavement was better. Smoother and less cracks, holes, and stuff like that.

I guess I prefer 80 over 70, but either way is fine.

Jun 22, 2009 | 09:05 PM

Ridewva

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From: Northern WV

I'll call them a toss-up. Rt 50 somewhat parallels I70 and goes from Maryland to Colorado, passing just south of Denver and is the route I'd consider. If you don't like it just get off and get on I70. Allow 2 1/2 full days riding from MD to Denver on 50.

Jun 24, 2009 | 10:40 AM

Bobby Joe

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My vote is for I 80, 70 is a mess with rough roads in Mo. and construction all the time. Yes there is a bit cooler on 80 vs 70 not much but when your beaten pavement every degree counts. I suggest I 80. Just my 2 cents